= spectrum of anomalies with persistent connection between gut + dorsal ectoderm

Etiology: failure of complete separation of ectoderm from endoderm with subsequent splitting of notochord and mesoderm around the adhesion about 3^rd week of EGA

• fistula / isolated diverticula / duplication / cyst / fibrous cord / sinus along the tract

Types:

1. Dorsal enteric fistula
   = fistula between intestinal cavity + dorsal midline skin traversing prevertebral soft tissue, vertebral body, spinal canal, posterior elements of spine
   • bowel ostium / exposed pad of mucous membrane in dorsal midline in newborn
   • opening passes meconium + feces
   • dorsal bowel hernia into a skin- / membrane-covered dorsal sac after passing through a combined anterior + posterior spina bifida
2. Dorsal enteric sinus
   = blind remnant of posterior part of tract with midline opening to dorsal external skin surface
3. Dorsal enteric enterogenous cyst
   = prevertebral / postvertebral / intraspinal enteric-lined cyst derived from intermediate part of tract
   Intraspinal enteric cyst
   • Age at presentation: 20–40 years
     • intermittent local / radicular pain worsened by elevation of intraspinal pressure
   
   Location: intraspinal in lower cervical / upper thoracic region
   • enlarged spinal canal at site of cyst
   • hemivertebrae, segmentation defect, partial fusion, scoliosis in region of cyst
4. Dorsal enteric diverticulum
   = tubular / spherical diverticulum arising from dorsal mesenteric border of bowel as a persistent portion of tract between gut + vertebral column
5. Dorsal enteric cyst
   = involution of portion of diverticulum near gut
   • mass in abdomen / mediastinum ← bowel rotation